The former state senator was once seen as the one of the Commonwealth's most powerful politicians.

Residents said he abused his power and violated their trust. They said seeing his name at the park was a painful reminder of his crimes.

“It really does mean a lot. It may just be some words or just a sign for people but it means a lot when you`re a lifelong resident. It`s big deal,” said Nick Rollison.

“Everybody around here knew Senator Mellow. We`re a very small, tight-knit community and I think we just want to move forward from the ugly situation that has happened and more in a more positive direction,” said Rick Evans.

Last week in Harrisburg, state investigators charged Mellow for his role in an alleged pay-to-play scheme. The attorney general accused Mellow and other lawmakers of receiving millions in kickbacks in exchange for highway contracts on the turnpike.

Borough council said after that they felt the only choice was to remove Mellow`s name from the park.

“This swayed a lot of people that wanted to leave it and we received many more calls since then in the last week,” said council president Joseph Quinn.

Many wanted to rename the park after fallen Army Sergeant and Peckville native Jan Argonish; still Jan's mother is happy with council decision.

“It was never my intention to have my son’s name on the park,” said Nancy Argonish. “My intent was that Mr. Mellow`s name come off the park, I got my desire.”

Council said it plans to meet with area war veterans groups to discuss building a memorial inside the park for fallen soldiers and also possibly fallen first responders.